UVic 50th celebrations this weekend

The University of Victoria is celebrating a big birthday this year and the public is invited to the party at the 50th Anniversary Festival on Sept. 28 and 29.

More than 100 showcases, including live music, lectures, tours, open houses and kids’ activities will be open to the public.

“If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be backstage at the Phoenix Theatre or wanted to take a tour of the art on the UVic campus, this is the time,” said Joy Davis, director of the 50th anniversary office.

Events kick off Friday (Sept. 28) with a birthday party featuring music on the roof of the Student Union Building from 2 to 4 p.m. with music by local musicians The Chantrelles, Rugged Uncle and Kathryn Calder.

On Saturday, departments and research centres will open their doors for behind-the-scenes tours, activities and talks, including a Chemistry Pentathlon and experiments for kids in the department of chemistry, a chance to see the largest skeletal collection on campus in the department of anthropology, a family orienteering event in the faculty of social sciences, and an opportunity to try out the EcoCAR simulator with the department of mechanical engineering.

Other activities include ballroom dance demonstrations, tours of Finnerty Gardens and First Peoples House, University Archives’ display of historical UVic material, and the Island Savings Family Zone with roving performers, puppet shows, juggling workshops and kids’ games.

The performance stage in the university quadrangle will continue on Saturday with more local performers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ten Vikes games will take place throughout the weekend, as well as a Vikes Retro Party and dance on Saturday at 8 p.m.

The first Alumni Homecoming will welcome UVic graduates back to campus for special events on Saturday. Alumni Talks include eight presentations on an eclectic set of topics ranging from poetry to web start-ups.

A formal reunion dinner will bring together former students from across the decades. It wraps up with the Vikes Homecoming Retro Party in McKinnon Gym.

Admission to the festival is free and everyone is welcome. Full details available at uvic.ca/anniversary/festival.